Duty Calls

Outgoing Chief of the Defence Staff Reminds Canadian Military Personnel they are World-Class in Final Message

CMFMAG Team September 23, 2024

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In his final remarks to Canadian Armed Forces personnel, former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Wayne Eyre expressed pride for the members of the CAF he had the privilege to lead over the past four years. He also reminded them of how exceptional they are in providing successful solutions to a world in crisis.

Brigadier-General Wayne Eyre (Left), Commander 3rd Canadian Division and Chief Warrant Officer Jerome Scheidl, Division Sergeant Major (right) reflect upon the newly refurbished Frezenberg Memorial with Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry Veterans in Belgium on May 8, 2015. Photo: MCpl Louis Brunet, Canadian Army Public Affairs, 3rd Can Div HQ. Image courtesy Canadian Armed Forces.

Be Confident and Proud

“You have every right to be confident and proud. I have worked with military members from around the world,” said Gen. Eyre, “and I know firsthand that you are world class. Our friends, partners, and allies recognize this, and want more of you. Within the CAF, we are blessed with exceptional individuals who deliver excellence every day.”

General Eyre retired as CDS in July, welcoming General Jennie Carignan to the post. The CDS is the highest-ranking military officer in Canada, and General Carignan’s appointment marks the first time a woman has served as the top commander of the CAF.

In his message, General Eyre described how the world is becoming increasingly tumultuous and dangerous, with nonstop crises arising and ongoing power conflicts.

The Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) General Wayne Eyre, CMM, MSC, CD, walks with the command team of Operation UNIFIER-UK on 28 October 2022 in the United Kingdom. Photo by: Corporal Eric Greico, Canadian Armed Forces Photo. Image courtesy of the Canadian Armed Forces.

Current Era Turning Point

“The world is awash in toxic disinformation, attacking our institutions of democracy, including our own. Our climate is changing, and our society is undergoing massive changes. I am convinced that history will view our current era as a turning point.”

He advised Canada’s soldiers, sailors, and aviators to persevere in their training and fitness. He said their commitment to personal readiness and resilience are necessary to absorb the shocks and stresses of military life and to be able to rapidly respond when the call of duty comes.

“Cultivate the fighting spirit necessary to win. We must prevail in the hard days. Take pride in who you are and what you do in the service of our

country. Success is predicated on teamwork, so look after each other, treat everyone with respect and dignity. Inoculate yourself and those around you against the toxic disinformation in our society and the cynicism it breeds.”

The Chief of the Defence Staff, General Wayne Eyre meets with 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment personnel at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright Training Area during Exercise MAPLE RESOLVE 22 on 12 May 2022. Please Credit: Corporal Jonathan King, Canadian Forces Support Group (Ottawa/Gatineau) Imaging Services. Image courtesy Canadian Armed Forces.

Hope for Canadians

General Eyre also wanted to leave the members with a positive message of how the CAF has been and strives to be a source of hope for Canadians.

“I firmly believe that the CAF is a force for good,” continued the General. “We provide security and stability, and above all hope, the most powerful of human emotions, to a world in dire need of it. In the years ahead these qualities will be in much demand. There is no higher purpose than to answer the call of duty to defend our country and protect its people. In doing so, you are part of something bigger than yourselves.”

He ended his message by noting, “As I reflect on my military journey, and think ahead to yours, I am envious, and would do it all again. You will have many challenges and many rewards along the way, and through it you will learn, grow, and develop deep friendships and have treasured experiences like nowhere else. The value is in the journey itself, not the destination.”

Then Deputy Commanding General, Operations for XVIII Airborne Corps in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Brigadier-General Wayne Eyre accompanies members of the 82nd Airborne Division onboard a Royal Canadian Air Force CC-177 Globemaster III aircraft. The American troops and Canadian Armed Forces General will be parachuting from the Canadian aircraft as part of the Joint Operational Access Exercise (JOAX) being held at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

About General Eyre

Gen. Eyre joined the Army Cadets at the age of 12 and went on to spend the greater part of his role taking on various roles of leadership within the military. He has deployed to Cyprus, Croatia, Bosnia, Afghanistan, and Korea.

Gen. Eyre served as the CDS from 2021 to 2024 and is now retired from the CAF after 40 years of service.

Read his message here.